Showing posts with label matter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label matter. Show all posts

Monday, September 18, 2023

Synergy: Exploring Hands-on Science


HANDS-ON SCIENCE is an approach to learning that actively involves children in inquiry-based learning and problem-solving. Using real-world contexts, children apply critical and creative thinking to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions.


To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:


HANDS-ON SCIENCE is a new nonfiction series for young readers focusing on a wide range of popular science themes. Written by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, each book uses simple illustrations, engaging text, and creative interactive elements to explain key scientific concepts. Along the way, children are encouraged to have fun conducting their own experiments. Whether tilting the book, blowing on the page, or pressing an image, readers are actively involved in learning. Each title immerses children in a different STEM science laboratory where they use the book along with step-by-step instructions to conduct experiments.


GEOLOGY examines concepts connected with rocks, minerals, and Earth science. From earthquakes to volcanoes, children will enjoy connecting science to exciting, real-world situations.


MATTER introduces young scientists to solids, liquids, and gases. From molding clay and making cherry juice to experimenting with bubbles, readers immerse themselves in an engaging chemistry laboratory.


MOTION explores topics such as gravity and wind to explain force and motion. Young scientists will enjoy actively learning in the physic laboratory.


ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Website Review: The Molecularium Project

THE MOLECULARIUM PROJECT is an educational outreach effort of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Nanotechnology Center. The website is intended to promote an interest and understanding of the molecular nature of the world in users of all ages.
Created as an online theme park, the website teaches learners about atoms and molecules through games, activities and short animations.
The NANOSPACE interactive website begins with a graphic interface with a science museum theme called the HALL OF ATOMS & MOLECULES. Background music and sounds make users feel like they’re exploring a busy museum. However, the audio feature can easily be turned off. An introductory YouTube video explains the basics of nanotechnology.
The THEATRE provides an overview of the full-length film Molecules to the Max! Then, provides users with the opportunity to watch seven short science videos.
The H20 PARK section provides a short video and activities including H20 Ferris Wheel, Who Wants to Be A Quindecillionaire and H20 Parlor.
The SIZES OF THE UNIVERSE area features Dimension Zone, Cosmic Calculations, MegaPenny Project, and Microlab to learn about size scales.
The DNA LAND includes a short DNA video, the Polypeptide Puzzler, Unravel the Chromosome, and Helix of Fortune activities.
The MATERIALS BLVD includes a short video on the topic of matter along with the What’s the Matter?, Carbon is Incredible, Periodic Memory and Polymer Chain Game.
The NANOSPACE Arcade provides access to five additional science activities including On Storm, Atomatic, Electronz, Mission to Bond, and Build ‘Em.
An EDUCATORS section provides downloadable (PDF) teacher resources for grades K-4 and 5-8. It also includes a guide with direct links to all the resources at the website for quick reference. This is very useful because students can easily miss sections when visiting the theme park interface.
This website provides a great way for librarians and science teachers to collaborate on STEM activities. Consider building a nanotechnology display in the library that includes the a laptop or tablet with the website along with books and hands-on science materials.
Visit THE MOLECULARIUM PROJECT website athttp://nanospace.molecularium.com/.
For lots of hands-on experiment ideas, go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Molecules-to-the-MAX/263266006094